Feminism’s ultimate goal is for women to have a voice and a choice. And one of those very legitimate choices is for a mom of two young boys to want to spend as much time as possible raising them.
Rizqy is one of those rare politicians whose likability transcends party lines. I have long admired her tenacity, her fierce combativeness — especially as the Liberal opposition critic for education — her intelligence, her level of preparation on any file she’s been given, and the strength of her convictions.
Many — myself included — considered her a natural choice for the Quebec Liberal Party leadership when the time was right. I guess that time won’t be right any time soon. And while I join the many Quebecers disappointed by her decision, I don’t begrudge her such a personal choice.
The sacrifices required to remain in public service can be enormous, and a politician’s inflexible schedule can place an incredible amount of strain on their private life. The balancing act can be very tricky.
Women should never have to walk away from a rewarding career due to a lack of support, and there is perhaps much to still be said about the factors that contribute to persistent gender disparities in politics. Are legislatures and political workplaces truly doing everything possible to meet the needs of parents in politics, or are there still way too many barriers to participation? How can we ensure the political arena is accessible for people across all walks of life, and at all stages of family life?
By the same token, it’s not unusual that becoming a parent changes a person’s focus and priorities, and parents in the public eye are no different. Feminism’s ultimate goal is for women to have a voice and a choice. And one of those very legitimate choices is for a mom of two young boys to want to spend as much time as possible raising them and no longer missing out on those you-can-never-get-it-back moments.
Even though Rizqy’s partner, Liberal MNA Gregory Kelley, offered to leave his position so she could continue in politics, Rizqy ultimately made her decision because “I want to be in the same city every night to put (my children) to bed. Right now this is not the case.”
There is a considerable difference between being a professor of tax law — Rizqy’s job before she was elected — and being away from your young children three nights a week in Quebec City. Time is precious and children grow up quickly, and parents should always feel empowered to make the best choice possible for themselves and their family.
Toula Drimonis is a Montreal journalist and the author of We, the Others: Allophones, Immigrants, and Belonging in Canada.